Security alarm foils bank robbery

CEBU, Philippines - Its security alarm system saved a Rural Bank of Barili, southwestern Cebu from being robbed.

An unidentified man barged into the Rural Bank of Barili in Barangay South Poblacion, San Fernando shortly past midnight last Friday.

The robber, however, failed to take with him any loot because of the alarm system.

The man, who was wearing a red T-shirt, went inside the rural bank by breaking the steel grill of the window at the back of the building.

Once inside, the alarm sounded, prompting its personnel to call the police station. The bank has no security guard. However, it has an alarm connected to its main office. It also has a surveillance camera but it is turned off every after office hours.

The robber was no longer in the premises when policemen led by the station’s chief, Insp. Carlos Reyes, Jr., responded.

An inspection and inventory was then made by the bank manager and employees who declared that none was carted away.

Police recovered the steel saw that the robber used in breaking in.

The police advised the bank manager to put additional perimeter lights at the back of the building to discourage potential robbers to take advantage of the darkness. (THE FREEMAN)